How To Swim Breaststroke: Leg Kick Technique

The leg kick is the powerhouse. Get this wrong and you go nowhere.

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During breaststroke it is important for a swimmer or swimming teacher to recognise the difference between the wedge kick and the whip kick. The leg action provides the largest amount of propulsion in the stroke and swimmers will favour a wedge kick or a whip kick depending on which comes most naturally.

breaststroke leg kick

For a whip kick, the legs kick in a whip-like action with the knees remaining close together. For a wedge kick the legs kick in a wider, more deliberate circular path. The leg kick as a whole should be a simultaneous and flowing action, providing the majority of the propulsion. Knees bend as the heels are drawn up towards the seat and toes are turned out ready for the heels and soles of the feet to drive the water backwards. The legs sweep outwards and downwards in a flowing circular path, accelerating as they kick and return together and straight, providing a streamlined position.

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breaststroke leg kick

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